hackability

Now it could be that all the hacks have moved to UNIX and off of our IBM systems, but there is a distinct change at U of T from 5 or so years ago when hacks abounded on all our systems. My personal opinion is that it is to our collective detriment that the environment no longer exists in which hacks can flourish. Their presence was on the whole benficial in that they always wanted to learn something new, and were always assisting those who didn't know (invariably to show off their hackability) and often ended up doing contract work or getting hired by the computer center, comp sci department, or some prof looking for someone who knew how to (mis)handle a computer.